Battery and performance optimization mode for marine motor operation

ABSTRACT

Systems, assemblies, and methods for operating a marine motor are provided herein. An example motor system includes a motor, a battery, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a user input indicating a desired speed, determine a charge level of the battery, determine an optimized speed or propulsion of the marine motor based on the desired speed and the determined charge level of the battery, and transmit a signal to the motor to operate accordingly. The processor may generate a correction factor based on at least one of the determined charge level of the battery, a boat speed profile curve, and a boat travel distance curve; and determine the optimized speed or propulsion by applying the correction factor to the desired speed. Thus, an eco-mode can be provided to help maintain a high level of battery charge while still enabling desired use.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to battery andperformance optimization in motors and, more particularly, to systemsand methods for optimizing battery and motor usage for a trolling motorfor use on a marine vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Motors, such as trolling motors, are often used during fishing or othermarine activities. Trolling motors in particular may attach towatercraft and propel the watercraft along a body of water. For example,trolling motors may provide secondary propulsion or precisionmaneuvering that can be ideal for fishing activities. Trolling motorsmay also be utilized for the main propulsion system of watercraft.

Motors, such as trolling motors, may include batteries to provide powerto the propeller and/or other components of the motor (e.g., displays,steering mechanisms, etc.). Often times, users will need to recharge thebattery of the motor prior to utilization of the motor, such as headingout on the water or engaging in other marine activities. Notably,however, battery recharging may take many hours and can lead to userfrustration or lost marine activity time.

Applicant has developed systems, assemblies, and methods detailed hereinto improve capabilities of trolling motors, which may lead to, forexample, reduced battery recharging time and increased time for marineactivities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Typically, marine motors, such as trolling motors, operate at a speed orpropulsion set by a user. After the user sets the desired speed orpropulsion, the motor may operate accordingly. Notably, however, the setspeed or propulsion may not always be necessary for the user to stillreceive an enjoyable experience. In this regard, the user mayunnecessarily be wasting power by operating the motor at an unnecessaryspeed or propulsion.

The speed or propulsion of a motor may be measured by the rotationalspeed of the propeller, the thrust or propulsive force applied by thepropeller to the water, and/or the power needed to produce the thrust.The resultant thrust and power that the motor produces while operatingare closely related to the speed and propulsion set by the user, andvariations may occur due to equipment and environmental conditions, forexample. As used herein, the set or operating speed or propulsion of amotor may encompass the rotational speed, thrust, propulsive force,and/or power of the motor.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, andapparatuses for optimizing performance of the marine motors to limitunnecessary wasting of power, which may lead to reduced battery rechargetime. For example, in some embodiments, the marine motor may have aplurality of operating modes, such as a normal mode and an eco-mode. Thenormal mode may be a sport or turbo mode, for example. In the normalmode, the processor may set the operating speed of the motor directlybased on the desired speed set by the user and may allow for maximumperformance of the motor. In the eco-mode, the processor may set theoperating speed or propulsion of the marine motor based on the chargelevel of the battery, the actual speed of the boat, the boat profile,and/or other marine data. For example, in some embodiments, a fuzzycontroller can be used to determine an optimized speed or propulsion foroperating the motor based on the desired speed or propulsion set by theuser and various other factors, such as the current battery chargelevel. While such an optimized speed may be different (e.g., lower) thana user set speed, the user may not notice or may be willing to sacrificethe additional speed to ensure lower power usage. In this way, thebattery life and performance of the marine motor may be optimized forthe user. This may minimize the amount of time required for charging thebattery of the marine motor and allow the user to set out faster—savingthe user time in preparation.

In some embodiments, the eco-mode operation of the motor system may betemporarily interrupted. For example, to avoid an object or other hazarda user may wish to quickly turn and/or propel the watercraft at fullspeed. Thus, the motor system may enable the eco-mode operation to bedisrupted in order to operate at full speed. In some embodiments, theremay be a turbo mode button or switch provided to the user to activatethis temporary mode of operation. Additionally or alternatively, theprocessor may cause the motor to operate at full speed based on theuser's activity (e.g., repeatedly turning a control to full speed).

In some embodiments, rather than operate at a constant determined speedor propulsion in eco-mode, the motor system may enable the marine motorto operate according to a duty cycle. The processor may determine timeintervals for operating the marine motor at a maximum and minimum speedor propulsion. For example, the maximum speed may be the desired speedset by the user, and the minimum speed may be zero (e.g., where themotor is off). The processor may determine a duty cycle curve based onthe time to accelerate from the minimum speed to the maximum speed, thetime to operate at the maximum speed, the time to decelerate from themaximum speed to the minimum speed, and the time to operate at theminimum speed. Moreover, the processor may determine the curvature forthe duty cycle curve based on various factors, such as user inputs, boatweight, boat profile, etc. In this way, the processor may control thesmoothness of the transitions between speed regimes, and thus, thetravel experience of the user.

In one exemplary embodiment, a trolling motor system for use on a marinevessel is provided. The trolling motor system includes a trolling motorassembly, a processor, and a memory. The trolling motor assembly mayinclude a propulsion motor and a battery. The propulsion motor isvariable speed and configured to operate at an optimized propulsion inresponse to an electrical signal. The processor is configured todetermine the optimized propulsion based on one or more user inputs. Theprocessor is further configured to generate and transmit the electricalsignal corresponding to the optimized propulsion to the propulsionmotor. The memory is configured to store a speed profile curve. The oneor more user inputs includes a desired operating speed and a selectedmode. The selected mode is one of a normal mode and an eco-mode. Whenthe selected mode is the eco-mode, the processor determines theoptimized propulsion based on the desired operating speed and acorrection factor. The correction factor is generated based on the speedprofile curve and a battery charge level of the battery. The correctionfactor may be generated by a fuzzy controller. The speed profile curvemay be updated based on one or more of an actual travelling speed of thetrolling motor, a boat type, a boat weight, a weather condition, and awater condition. The correction factor may be generated based on atravel distance curve. The travel distance curve may be updated based onthe speed profile curve and a battery type for the battery.

In another exemplary embodiment, a motor system is provided. The motorsystem includes a motor, a battery, and a processor. The processor isconfigured to receive a user input indicating a desired speed. Theprocessor is further configured to determine a charge level of thebattery and to determine an optimized propulsion based on the desiredspeed and the determined charge level of the battery. The processor isfurther configured to transmit a signal to the motor to cause the motorto operate at the determined optimized propulsion. The motor may be atrolling motor. The optimized propulsion may be determined by applying acorrection factor to the desired speed. The correction factor may bebased the charge level of the battery, a speed profile curve, and/or atravel distance curve. The correction factor may be generated by a fuzzycontroller. The motor system may further include a speed sensorconfigured to determine an actual travelling speed of the motor. Thespeed profile curve may be updated based on the actual travelling speedof the motor measured by the speed sensor. The speed profile curve maybe based on a motor type, a haul weight, and/or an environmentalcondition. The travel distance curve may be updated based on the speedprofile curve and a battery type for the battery. In response to a turbomode signal received by the processor, the processor may be configuredto transmit a turbo signal to the motor to cause the motor to operate atan increased speed. The increased speed may be the desired speed. Theturbo mode signal may be transmitted to the processor based on a useractivity. The user input may be transmitted to the processor via a userinput assembly. The user input assembly may include a foot pedal, a handcontrol, and/or a remote control.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a trolling motoris provided. The method includes receiving a user input indicating adesired speed. The method further includes determining a charge level ofa battery. The method further includes determining an optimizedpropulsion based on the desired speed and the charge level of thebattery. The method further includes transmitting a signal to thetrolling motor to cause the trolling motor to operate at the determinedoptimized propulsion. The method further includes generating acorrection factor based on the determined charge level of the battery, aspeed profile curve, and/or a travel distance curve. The optimizedpropulsion may be determined by applying the correction factor to thedesired speed. The method may further include generating the speedprofile curve based on an actual travelling speed of the trolling motor,a boat type, a boat weight, a weather condition, and/or a watercondition. The method may further include updating the travel distancecurve based on the speed profile curve and a battery type for thebattery.

In another exemplary embodiment, a trolling motor system is provided.The trolling motor system includes a trolling motor, a battery, and aprocessor. The processor is configured to receive a user inputindicating a desired speed. The processor is further configured todetermine a charge level of the battery. The processor is furtherconfigured to determine a duty cycle curve based on the desired speedand the determined charge level of the battery. The processor is furtherconfigured to transmit a signal to the trolling motor to cause thetrolling motor to operate according to the determined duty cycle curve.The duty cycle curve may include an acceleration time intervalindicating how long the trolling motor should spend accelerating from aminimum speed to the desired speed. The duty cycle curve may furtherinclude a set speed time interval indicating how long the trolling motorshould spend operating at the desired speed before decelerating. Theduty cycle curve may further include a deceleration time intervalindicating how long the trolling motor should spend decelerating fromthe desired speed to the minimum speed. The minimum speed may correspondto an off state of the trolling motor. The duty cycle curve may furtherinclude an off state time interval indicating how long the trollingmotor should spend operating in the off state before accelerating. Theprocessor may be further configured to determine the duty cycle curvebased on an actual travelling speed, a boat type, a boat weight, aweather condition, a water condition, and/or a current of the trollingmotor. The user input may be transmitted to the processor via a userinput assembly. The user input assembly may include a foot pedal, a handcontrol, and/or a remote control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure in generalterms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly attached to afront of a watercraft, in accordance with some embodiments discussedherein;

FIG. 2 shows an example trolling motor assembly configured forhand-control, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 3 shows another an example trolling motor assembly that isconfigured for control via a foot pedal, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 4 shows an example fuzzy logic graph for determining an optimizedspeed of operation based on example voltages for a battery for atrolling motor system, in accordance with some embodiments discussedherein;

FIG. 5 shows an example speed profile curve and an example traveldistance curve of a boat with a trolling motor system, in accordancewith some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 6 shows an example normalized speed profile curve and exampleweighted travel distance curves used for finding a correction factor fora trolling motor system, in accordance with some embodiments discussedherein;

FIG. 7 shows an example closed loop for controlling the speed ofoperation of a trolling motor system, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 8 shows an example open loop for controlling the speed of operationof a trolling motor system, in accordance with some embodimentsdiscussed herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example duty cycle curve for controlling the speedof operation of a trolling motor system, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates another example duty cycle curve for controlling thespeed of operation of a trolling motor system, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram illustrating an example trolling motorsystem including an example trolling motor assembly, in accordance withsome embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram illustrating an example motor system, inaccordance with some embodiments discussed herein; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for operating amotor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.Indeed, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different formsand should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide marine motor systems andassemblies with a battery and performance optimization mode for improvedoperation. Such example embodiments enable a user to activate aneco-mode and set a desired speed, while letting the system determine anoptimized speed profile based on battery charge, actual speed, motoroutput, and/or other marine data. This provides advantages in equipmentand time saving. For example, a user may not have to recharge thebattery of the motor for as long and, thus, may head out onto the waterfaster to fish or engage in other marine activities, for example.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example watercraft 10 on a body of water 15. Thewatercraft 10 has a trolling motor assembly 20 attached to its front,with a trolling motor 50 submerged in the body of water. The trollingmotor can be used as a propulsion system to cause the watercraft totravel along the surface of the water. While the depicted embodimentshows the trolling motor assembly 20 attached to the front of thewatercraft 10 and as a secondary propulsion system, example embodimentsdescribed herein contemplate that the trolling motor assembly 20 may beattached in any position on the watercraft 10 and/or may be the primarypropulsion system for the watercraft 10.

Depending on the design, a trolling motor may be gas-powered orelectric. Moreover, steering may be accomplished manually via handcontrol, via foot control, and/or through use of a remote control (e.g.,multi-function display (MFD)). Additionally, in some cases, an autopilotmay operate the trolling motor autonomously. Notably, however, someembodiments of the present disclosure contemplate use with an electricmotor, such that a battery is used to provide power to the trollingmotor and/or other components of the trolling motor (e.g., steeringmechanism, display, etc.). Additionally, although a trolling motor isdescribed in the majority of embodiments herein, various embodimentsdescribed herein are designed for us with other motors (e.g., outboardmotors, inboard motors, etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly 200 that iselectric and hand controlled (e.g., such as the trolling motor system100 shown in and described with respect to FIG. 11). The trolling motorassembly 200 includes a shaft 225 defining a first end 226 and a secondend 227, a trolling motor housing 250 and a main housing 210.

The trolling motor housing 250 is attached to the second end 227 of theshaft 225 and at least partially contains a trolling motor that connectsto a propeller 252. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when thetrolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trollingmotor (or trolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, thetrolling motor is configured to propel the watercraft to travel alongthe body of water. In addition to containing the trolling motor, thetrolling motor housing may include other components described herein,including, for example, a sonar transducer assembly (e.g., the sonartransducer assembly 160 shown in and described with respect to FIG. 11)and/or other sensors (e.g., other sensors 165 shown in and describedwith respect to FIG. 11).

The main housing 210 is connected to the shaft 225 proximate the firstend 226 of the shaft 225 and includes a hand control rod 218 thatenables control of the trolling motor by a user (e.g., through angularrotation). As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when the trollingmotor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trolling motor (ortrolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, the main housing ispositioned out of the body of water and visible/accessible by a user.The main housing 210 may be configured to house components of thetrolling motor assembly, such as may be used for processing marine orsensor data and/or controlling operation of the trolling motor, amongother things. For example, with reference to FIG. 11, depending on theconfiguration and features of the trolling motor assembly, the mainhousing 210 may contain, for example, one or more of a processor 110,fuzzy controller 115, memory 120, location sensor 146, position sensor180, communication interface 130, user interface 135, power supply 177,or a display 140.

The trolling motor assembly 200 may also include an attachment device228 (e.g., a clamp or other attachment means) to enable connection orattachment of the trolling motor assembly to the watercraft. Dependingon the attachment device used, the trolling motor assembly may beconfigured for rotational movement relative to the watercraft,including, for example, 360 degree rotational movement.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly 300 that iselectric and controlled with a foot pedal (e.g., such as in the motorsystem 100′ shown in and described with respect to FIG. 12). Thetrolling motor assembly 300 includes a shaft 325 defining a first end326 and a second end 327, a trolling motor housing 350 and a mainhousing 310.

The trolling motor housing 350 is attached to the second end 327 of theshaft 325 and at least partially contains a trolling motor that connectsto a propeller 352. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when thetrolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trollingmotor (or trolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, thetrolling motor is configured to propel the watercraft to travel alongthe body of water. In addition to containing the trolling motor, thetrolling motor housing may include other components described herein,including, for example, a sonar transducer assembly (e.g., the sonartransducer assembly 160′ shown in and described with respect to FIG. 12)and/or other sensors (e.g., the other sensors 165′ shown in anddescribed with respect to FIG. 12).

The main housing 310 is connected proximate the first end 326 of theshaft 325. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when the trollingmotor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trolling motor (ortrolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, the main housing ispositioned out of the body of water and visible/accessible by a user.The main housing 310 may be configured to house components of thetrolling motor assembly, such as may be used for processing marine dataand/or controlling operation of the trolling motor, among other things.For example, with reference to FIG. 12, depending on the configurationand features of the trolling motor assembly, the main housing 310 maycontain, for example, one or more of a processor 110′, fuzzy controller115′, memory 120′, location sensor 146′, position sensor 180′, powersupply 177′, or communication interface 130′.

The trolling motor assembly 300 also includes a foot pedal housing 370that is electrically connected to the trolling motor (such as throughthe main housing 310) using the cable 372 (although the foot pedal maybe wirelessly connected). The foot pedal housing 370 contains a footpedal (e.g., the foot pedal 175′ shown in and described with respect toFIG. 12) that enables a user to steer and/or otherwise operate thetrolling motor to control the direction and speed of travel of thewatercraft. The foot pedal housing 370 may also contain, in accordancewith some embodiments, a display (e.g., the display 140′ shown in anddescribed with respect to FIG. 12) and/or user interface (e.g., the userinterface 135′ shown in and described with respect to FIG. 12). Further,depending on the configuration of the foot pedal, the foot pedal housing370 (and/or main housing 310) may comprise an electrical plug 373 thatcan be connected to an external power source (e.g., the power source177′ shown in and described with respect to FIG. 12) for powering thevarious components of the trolling motor assembly 300.

The trolling motor assembly 300 may also include an attachment device,such as a clamp, mount, etc., (not shown) to enable connection orattachment of the trolling motor assembly to the watercraft. Dependingon the attachment device used, the trolling motor assembly may beconfigured for rotational movement relative to the watercraft,including, for example, 360 degree rotational movement.

The speed or propulsion of a motor may be measured by the rotationalspeed or revolutions per minute (RPM) of the propeller, the thrust orpropulsive force applied by the propeller, and/or the power needed toproduce the thrust. The thrust may be described as the force applied bythe propeller in a direction perpendicular to a line normal to thesurface of a body of water. The power of the motor may be described asthe power needed to generate the propulsive force or thrust of thepropeller. The thrust and power of a motor are related to the speed andpropulsion of the motor—and vice versa. As used herein, the set oroperating speed or propulsion of a motor may encompass rotational speed,thrust, propulsive force, and/or power.

A trolling motor system (e.g., trolling motor system 100 shown in anddescribed with respect to FIG. 11) may include a trolling motor assembly(e.g., trolling motor assembly 150 shown in FIG. 11), a processor (e.g.,processor 110 shown in FIG. 11), and a memory (e.g., memory 120 shown inFIG. 11). The trolling motor assembly may include a propulsion motor(e.g., trolling motor 155 shown in FIG. 11) and a battery. The processormay send and/or receive signals from the trolling motor assembly. Forexample, the processor may generate and send an electrical signal to thetrolling motor assembly indicating a speed at which the propulsion motorshould operate.

The processor may be configured to receive one or more user inputs(e.g., via an MFD, hand control, foot control, such as via a speed wheelor other speed indicator). The user inputs may include a desiredoperating speed.

In some embodiments, the user inputs may indicate a selected mode foroperating the marine motor. The selected mode may be selected by theuser based on a plurality of modes of operation available for thetrolling motor system. In some embodiments, the available modes mayinclude a normal mode and an eco-mode, discussed in further detailbelow. Other modes are contemplated, such as non-optimized modes (e.g.,turbo mode, sport mode, etc.), optimized modes (e.g., partial-eco-mode,smart mode, etc.), and other intermediate modes. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the motor system may operate in only one mode, such thatthe main or normal mode of operation is the described eco-mode.

In some embodiments, while operating in eco-mode, the processor maydetermine an optimized propulsion or speed based on a battery chargelevel and a desired operating speed input by the user. The batterycharge level may be measured by a battery sensor (e.g., the batterysensor 183 shown in and described with respect to FIG. 11) incommunication with the battery (e.g., the power supply 177 as shown inand described with respect to FIG. 11). The optimized propulsion orspeed may be generated by applying a correction factor (e.g., 206 a inFIG. 6) to the desired operating speed input by the user.

In some embodiments, the memory of the trolling motor system maydetermine and/or store a speed profile curve (e.g., 202 in FIG. 5) forthe trolling motor system. The speed profile curve may be based on inputand/or collected data about the power consumption of the propulsionmotor across a range of speeds. The speed profile curve (e.g., 202 inFIG. 5) may be updated based on a boat type, a boat weight, a weathercondition, and/or a water condition, any of which may be measured byconnected sensors, gathered from an external network, or input by theuser, for example.

In some embodiments, the processor may determine and/or store a traveldistance curve (e.g., 204 in FIG. 5) based on the speed profile curve(e.g., 202 in FIG. 5) and a battery type for the battery. In someembodiments, the travel distance curve may be predetermined and storedin the memory.

In some embodiments, the speed profile curve (e.g., 202 in FIG. 5) andtravel distance curve (e.g., 204 in FIG. 5) may be updated in real timebased on the battery charge level and an actual travelling speed, whichmay, in some embodiments, be measured by a speed sensor (e.g., the speedsensor 181 shown in and described with respect to FIG. 11) or positionsensor (e.g., the position sensor 180 shown in and described withrespect to FIG. 11).

The processor may include a fuzzy controller (e.g., the fuzzy controller115 shown in and described with respect to FIG. 11). In someembodiments, the fuzzy controller may determine and/or generate thecorrection factor (e.g., 206 a in FIG. 6), such as based on the batterycharge level of the battery. In some embodiments, the battery chargelevel (e.g., battery voltage) of the battery may be determined andconverted to a fuzzy set. The conversion to a fuzzy set may be based onthe nearness or degree of membership of the value of the battery chargelevel to one of a predetermined number of fuzzy sets. For example, thefuzzy controller may determine that a 91% charge should be considered a100% charge, while an 89% charge should be considered an 80% charge,depending on the fuzzy logic rules set up. In this way, the continuum ofbattery charge levels can be broken down into a predetermined group ofdiscrete levels.

FIG. 4 shows a fuzzy logic graph for determining an optimized speed ofoperation based on example voltages for a battery for a trolling motorsystem. In the illustrated graph, fuzzy sets of various states of thebattery charge level of the battery including 0% (e.g., Discharged), 20%(Level 1), 40% (Level 2), 60% (Level 3), 80% (Level 4), and 100% (e.g.,Fully Charged) are shown. Other input variables (e.g., boat speed, motorpower) may also be determined (such as from various sensors, asdescribed herein) and converted to fuzzy sets. For example, fuzzy setsof various boat speed levels may include Slow, Medium, Fast, and VeryFast. As another example, fuzzy sets of various motor power levels mayinclude Low, Medium, High, and Very High. Each may correspond with theirown percentage of a range of levels, such as with the battery chargelevel example. In some embodiments, the fuzzy sets may be predeterminedand stored in the memory. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the fuzzy sets may be determined by the processor, such asdynamically and/or based on various factors (e.g., the battery typechanges, the motor type changes, etc.).

FIG. 5 shows an example of the speed profile curve 202 and the traveldistance curve 204 of a boat with a trolling motor system. The speedprofile curve 202 and the travel distance curve 204 may be considered aknowledge database of the trolling motor system with respect tooperating the propulsion motor at various optimized speeds. As seen inthe example speed profile curve 202 of FIG. 5, the trolling motor systemmay operate less efficiently as the speed increases (e.g., the trollingmotor system may operate less efficiently at speeds over 4.5 km/h due tothe associated power consumption for higher speeds being 800 Watts ormore).

The speed profile curve 202 may be updated in real time to represent therate of decrease of the battery charge level versus the actualtravelling speed of the boat. For example, if the boat is lighter or ifwind/water conditions are favorable, then the actual travelling speed ofthe boat may be higher than it would be otherwise. So, the speed profilecurve 202 may be scaled (e.g., higher or lower) to match the real timeconditions of the boat. The speed profile curve 202 at known initialconditions may be stored in the memory. The processor may update and/orscale the speed profile curve 202 stored in the memory based on realtime conditions.

Using the speed profile curve 202, the power consumption in Watts at anygiven speed (e.g., at time, t) may be used with the battery type 112(ah·V) to find the hours remaining on the charge of the battery with thefollowing equations:

ah ⋅ V = W(t) ⋅ h${{Time}(h)} = \frac{{Battery}\mspace{14mu}{{Type}\left( {{ah} \cdot V} \right)}}{{Power}\mspace{14mu}{Consumption}\mspace{14mu}{at}\mspace{14mu}{v(t)}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{Watts}}$where W(t) is the power consumption at speed v(t) in Watts, h is thetime remaining on the charge of the battery in hours, and ah·V is thebattery type (e.g., 36V, 100 Ah). The battery type may be entered by theuser, determined by the processor and/or stored in memory.

Using the time remaining on the charge of the battery and the speed(e.g., at time, t) in km/h, the travel distance in km may be calculatedwith the following equation:Travel Distance=Time(h)·v(t)where v(t) is the speed at time, t, in km/h and h is the time remainingon the charge of the battery in hours. In some embodiments, theprocessor may derive and/or update the travel distance curve 204 fromthe speed profile curve 202 in this manner across the range of speedsgiven in the speed profile curve 202.

In some embodiments, the processor may determine the correction factor206, such as using the speed profile curve 202 and the travel distancecurve 204. The processor may normalize the speed profile curve 202 andscale and/or weight the travel distance curve 204. In some embodiments,the processor may weight the travel distance curve 204 based on thebattery charge level of the battery, such as using logic sets (e.g., thelogic sets described with respect to FIG. 4).

FIG. 6 shows an example normalized speed profile curve 202′, such as maybe determined by the processor (e.g., generated, gathered from memory,etc.). In some embodiments, the processor may generate a weighted traveldistance curve at 100% battery charge level 204 a′. For example, thetravel distance curve 204 a′ at 100% battery charge level may beweighted 100% or by 1. As another example, the travel distance curve 204b′ at 60% may be weighted 60% or by 0.6. The processor may use the pointat which the weighted travel distance curve at 100% battery charge level204 a′ crosses the normalized speed profile curve 202′ to determine acorrection factor 206 a (e.g., for determining an optimized propulsionspeed for the motor). In some embodiments, the fuzzy controller may beused to determined and/or generate the various curves and correctionfactor, such as using fuzzy logic sets as described herein.

FIG. 6 also shows a weighted travel distance curve at 60% battery chargelevel 204 b′, from which a correction factor 206 b may be derived. Thegenerated correction factor 206 may be applied to the desired operatingspeed to determine the optimized propulsion speed for the motor. Forexample, the desired operating speed set by the user may be a maximum of5.8 km/h. In normal mode, the processor may generate and transmit to thepropulsion motor the electrical signal indicating that the propulsionmotor should operate at the maximum desired operating speed. However, ineco-mode, the processor may generate and transmit to the propulsionmotor the electrical signal indicating that the propulsion motor shouldoperate at the optimized propulsion or speed.

In some embodiments, the processor may determine the optimizedpropulsion for the motor by applying the correction factor to thedesired operating speed. For example, from FIG. 6, the correction factor206 a is 0.91 when the battery charge level is near full charge level.The processor may apply (e.g., by multiplying) the correction factor 206a to the desired operating speed of 5.8 km/h to get the optimizedpropulsion corresponding to a speed of 5.6 km/h. Alternatively, theprocessor may determine from the fuzzy logic set that the battery chargelevel is at the 60% level and apply the correction factor 206 b of 0.53to the desired operating speed to get 4.7 km/h as the optimizedpropulsion. In some embodiments, the processor may continually cyclethrough this process at set intervals and/or based on user inputtriggers to cause the propulsion motor to operate according to theoptimized propulsion for the motor based on real time data.

In some embodiments, the system may be configured to temporarilyinterrupt the eco-mode operation of the motor system. For example, toavoid an object or other hazard, the user may wish to quickly turnand/or propel the watercraft at full speed. The motor system may includea turbo mode button or switch to enable the eco-mode operation to bedisrupted in order to operate the propulsion motor at full speed. Forexample, the turbo mode button may be located on a hand control of themotor system. As another example, the turbo mode button may be locatedon a user input display (e.g., remote control, MFD). When the turbo modebutton is selected, a turbo mode signal may be received by theprocessor. In response to this turbo mode signal, the processor maycause the propulsion motor to operate at the desired operating speedand/or the maximum operating speed. Additionally or alternatively, theturbo mode signal may be sent to the processor based on the user'sactivity (e.g., repeatedly turning a control to full speed). In such anexample embodiment, the processor may determine that the turbo modeshould be engaged, such as to satisfy a user. For example, the user maybe exhibiting behavior indicative of being frustrated that the motorsystem is not operating at a desired speed (e.g., the user is repeatedlytrying to increase the speed of operation—although other user inputpatterns or types are contemplated, such as quick turning, quickacceleration after a deceleration on a set speed, increased pressurebeing applied, etc.).

FIG. 7 shows an example closed loop 500 for the trolling motor system(e.g., trolling motor system 100 shown in FIG. 11). In some embodiments,the user may indicate to the processor 510 the desired operating speedor propulsion and a selected mode via a hand control 520 (e.g., speed,power, or thrust knob). The trolling motor assembly 550 may transmitdata (e.g., the actual travelling speed of the boat 551, the batterycharge level 552, the motor power 553, etc.) to the processor 510. Theprocessor 510 may use a knowledge database 530 including estimated andmeasured curves and/or tables (e.g., speed profile curve 202, traveldistance curve 204) to generate and transmit a speed profile 560 to thetrolling motor assembly 550 to cause the propulsion motor (e.g.,trolling motor 155 shown in FIG. 11) to operate at the optimizedpropulsion. In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 550 maytransmit its operating speed 560 (e.g., the optimized propulsion) backto the hand control 520 (e.g., speed, power, or thrust knob) and/orother user input assembly. The signal indicating the operating speed 560(e.g., optimized propulsion) may undergo gain 570 and/or otherfiltering. In some embodiments, the signal indicating the operatingspeed 560 (e.g., optimized propulsion) may cause the hand control 520and/or other user input assembly to indicate the current operating speed(e.g., optimized propulsion) as the set speed, rather than the desiredoperating speed initially input by the user.

FIG. 8 shows an example block diagram of an open loop 500′ for thetrolling motor system (e.g., trolling motor system 100 shown in FIG.11). The open loop 500′ may operate similarly to the closed loop 500system of FIG. 7, except that the hand control 520′ (e.g., speed knob)or other user input assembly may indicate the previous set speed 580′,rather than receive the updated operating speed 560′ from the trollingmotor assembly 550′.

In some embodiments, the motor system may be configured to operateaccording to a determined duty cycle curve (e.g., 600 in FIG. 9). Byutilizing a duty cycle, the motor system may provide for a desirableuser experience and save power at the same time. Further, such a mode ofoperation may be beneficial for certain marine activities, such astrolling. The processor may determine the duty cycle curve based on thedesired speed and the determined charge level of the battery. In someembodiments, the user may select to operate according to one or moreduty cycles. In some embodiments, the user may determine or set dutycycles and even create fast access key codes to cause quick selection ofa specific duty cycle for operating the motor.

FIG. 9 shows an example duty cycle curve 600. The duty cycle curve 600may include an acceleration time interval 610 indicating how long thetrolling motor should spend accelerating from a minimum speed to thedesired speed. The duty cycle curve 600 may include a set speed timeinterval 620 indicating how long the trolling motor should spendoperating at the desired speed before decelerating. The duty cycle curve600 may include a deceleration time interval 630 indicating how long thetrolling motor should spend decelerating from the desired speed to theminimum speed. The minimum speed may be 0 km/h and/or correspond to anoff state of the trolling motor. The duty cycle curve 600 may include anoff state time interval 640 indicating how long the trolling motorshould spend operating in the off state before accelerating.

FIG. 10 shows another example duty cycle curve 600′ with smoothertransitions between different speed regions. The curvatures for the dutycycle curve 600′ may be customized by the user and/or included withsoftware updates to the trolling motor system 500. The duty cycle curve600′ may include an acceleration time interval 610′ indicating how longthe trolling motor should spend accelerating from a minimum speed to thedesired speed. The duty cycle curve 600′ may include a set speed timeinterval 620′ indicating how long the trolling motor should spendoperating at the desired speed before decelerating. The duty cycle curve600′ may include a deceleration time interval 630′ indicating how longthe trolling motor should spend decelerating from the desired speed tothe minimum speed. The minimum speed may be 0 km/h and/or correspond toan off state of the trolling motor. The duty cycle curve 600′ mayinclude an off state time interval 640′ indicating how long the trollingmotor should spend operating in the off state before accelerating.

The processor may determine the duty cycle curve 600 based on one ormore of an actual travelling speed, a boat type, a boat weight, aweather condition, a water condition, and a current of the trollingmotor.

Example System Architecture

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of an example trolling motor system 100capable for use with several embodiments of the present disclosure(although embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate use for anycomponents herein as a generic motor, such as is consistent withembodiments described herein). As shown, the trolling motor system 100may include a number of different modules or components, each of whichmay comprise any device or means embodied in either hardware, software,or a combination of hardware and software configured to perform one ormore corresponding functions. For example, the trolling motor system 100may include a main housing 105 and a trolling motor assembly 150.

The main housing 105, remote control, and/or user interface display mayinclude a processor 110, a fuzzy controller 115, a memory 120, acommunication interface 130, a user interface 135, a display 140, andone or more sensors (e.g., location sensor 146, a position sensor 180, aspeed sensor 181, a motor sensor 182, and a battery sensor 183).

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may be configuredsuch that the one or more processors electrically control the trollingmotor in addition to the features described herein. This forms a compactand integrated system.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may be configured toreceive, process, and display various types of marine data. In someembodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may include one or moreprocessors 110 and a memory 120. Additionally, the trolling motor system100 may include one or more components that are configured to gathermarine data or perform marine features. In such a regard, the processor110 may be configured to process the marine data and generate one ormore images corresponding to the marine data for display on the screenthat is integrated in the trolling motor assembly. Further, the trollingmotor system 100 may be configured to communicate with various internalor external components (e.g., through the communication interface 130),such as to provide instructions related to the marine data. Thoughdepicted as being contained in one or more of the main housing, trollingmotor housing, or foot pedal housing, the various components describedherein can be contained in any one of the various (or other) housingswithin the trolling motor assembly.

The processor 110 (which may include, for example, a fuzzy controller115) may be any means configured to execute various programmedoperations or instructions stored in a memory, such as a device and/orcircuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied inhardware or a combination thereof (e.g., a processor operating undersoftware control, a processor embodied as an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA)specifically configured to perform the operations described herein, or acombination thereof) thereby configuring the device or circuitry toperform the corresponding functions of the processor 110 as describedherein. In this regard, the processor 110 may be configured to analyzeelectrical signals communicated thereto to provide display data to thedisplay to indicate the direction of the trolling motor housing relativeto the watercraft.

In some example embodiments, the processor 110 may be configured toreceive sonar data indicative of the size, location, shape, etc. ofobjects detected by the system 100. For example, the processor 110 maybe configured to receive sonar return data and process the sonar returndata to generate sonar image data for display to a user (e.g., ondisplay 140 or a remote display). In some embodiments, the processor 110may be further configured to implement signal processing and/orenhancement features to improve the display characteristics, data,and/or images, to collect and/or process additional data (e.g., time,temperature, GPS information, waypoint designations), and/or to filterextraneous data to better analyze the collected data. In someembodiments, the processor 110 may further implement notices and/oralarms (e.g., alerts determined or adjusted by a user) to reflect depthmeasurements, the presence of fish, the proximity of other watercraft,status or notifications for peripheral devices/systems, etc. Theprocessor 110 and memory 120 may form processing circuitry.

The memory 120 may be configured to store instructions, computer programcode, marine data (e.g., sonar data, chart data, location/positiondata), and/or other data associated with the trolling motor system 100in a non-transitory computer readable medium for use by the processor,for example.

The trolling motor system 100 may also include one or morecommunications modules configured to communicate via any of many knownmanners, such as via a network, for example. The processing circuitryand communication interface 130 may form a processingcircuitry/communication interface. The communication interface 130 maybe configured to enable connections to external systems (e.g., anexternal network 102 or one or more remote controls 195, such as ahandheld remote control, MFD, foot pedal, or other remote computingdevice). In this regard, the communication interface (e.g., 130) mayinclude one or more of a plurality of different communication backbonesor frameworks, such as Ethernet, USB, CAN, NMEA 2000, GPS, Sonar,cellular, WiFi, and/or other suitable networks, for example. In thismanner, the processor 110 may retrieve stored data from a remote,external server via the external network 102 in addition to or as analternative to the onboard memory 120. The network may also supportother data sources, including GPS, autopilot, engine data, compass,radar, etc. Numerous other peripheral, remote devices such as one ormore wired or wireless multi-function displays may be connected to thetrolling motor system 100.

The processor 110 may configure the device and/or circuitry to performthe corresponding functions of the processor 110 as described herein. Inthis regard, the processor 110 may be configured to analyze electricalsignals communicated thereto to provide, for example, variousfeatures/functions described herein.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may be configured todetermine the location of the watercraft, such as through positionsensor 180. Accordingly, the processor (such as through execution ofcomputer program code) may be configured to receive the marine data fromthe position sensor, process the marine data to generate an imageincluding a chart with the location from the position sensor, and causethe screen to display the image. Accordingly, the display 140 and/oruser interface 135 may be configured to display the image including thechart.

The position sensor 180 may be configured to determine the currentposition and/or location of the main housing 105. For example, theposition sensor 180 may comprise a GPS or other location detectionsystem. The position sensor 180 may be found in one or more of the mainhousing 105, the trolling motor assembly 150, or remotely. In someembodiments, the position sensor 180 may be configured to determine adirection of which the trolling motor housing is facing. In someembodiments, the position sensor 180 may be operably coupled to eitherthe shaft 225, 325 or steering mechanism 185, such that the positionsensor 180 measures the rotational change in position of the trollingmotor assembly 150 as the trolling motor is turned. The position sensor180 may be a magnetic sensor, a light sensor, mechanical sensor, or thelike.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may be configured todetermine the location of the watercraft, such as through locationsensor 146. The trolling motor system 100 may comprise, or be associatedwith, a navigation system that includes the location sensor 146. Forexample, the location sensor 146 may comprise a GPS, bottom contour,inertial navigation system, such as a micro-electro-mechanical system(MEMS) sensor, a ring laser gyroscope, or the like, or other locationdetection system. In such a regard, the processor 110 may be configuredto act as a navigation system. For example, the processor 110 maygenerate at least one waypoint and, in some cases, generate an image ofa chart along with the waypoint for display by the screen. Additionallyor alternatively, the processor may generate one or more routesassociated with the watercraft. The location of the vessel, waypoints,and/or routes may be displayed on a navigation chart on a display remotefrom the trolling motor system 100. Further, additional navigationfeatures (e.g., providing directions, weather information, etc.) arealso contemplated.

In addition to position, navigation, and sonar data, example embodimentsof the present disclosure contemplate receipt, processing, andgeneration of images that include other marine data. For example, thedisplay 140 and/or user interface 135 may be configured to displayimages associated with vessel or motor status (e.g., gauges) or othermarine data.

In any of the embodiments, the display 140 may be configured to displayan indication of the current direction of the trolling motor assembly150 relative to the watercraft.

The display 140 may be configured to display images and may include orotherwise be in communication with a user interface 135 configured toreceive input from a user. The display 140 may be, for example, aconventional liquid crystal display (LCD), LED/OLED display, touchscreendisplay, mobile device, and/or any other suitable display known in theart, upon which images may be displayed. The display may be integratedinto the main housing 105. In some example embodiments, additionaldisplays may also be included, such as a touch screen display, mobiledevice, or any other suitable display known in the art upon which imagesmay be displayed.

In some embodiments, the display 140 may present one or more sets ofmarine data and/or images generated therefrom. Such marine data mayinclude chart data, radar data, weather data, location data, positiondata, orientation data, sonar data, and/or any other type of informationrelevant to the watercraft. In some embodiments, the display 140 may beconfigured to present marine data simultaneously as one or more layersand/or in split-screen mode. In some embodiments, the user may selectvarious combinations of the marine data for display. In otherembodiments, various sets of marine data may be superimposed or overlaidonto one another. For example, a route may be applied to (or overlaidonto) a chart (e.g., a map or navigation chart). Additionally oralternatively, depth information, weather information, radarinformation, sonar information, and/or any other display inputs may beapplied to and/or overlaid onto one another.

In some embodiments, the display 140 and/or user interface may be ascreen that is configured to merely present images and not receive userinput. In other embodiments, the display and/or user interface may be auser interface such that it is configured to receive user input in someform. For example, the screen may be a touchscreen that enables touchinput from a user. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface mayinclude one or more buttons (not shown) that enable user input.

Additionally, the display may be configured to display other relevanttrolling motor information including, but not limited to, speed data,motor data battery data, current operating mode, auto pilot, or thelike. For example, in some example embodiments, the trolling motorsystem 100 may include a plurality of operating modes, such as a manualor normal mode, an eco-mode, an anchor mode, an autopilot mode, a speedlock mode, a heading lock mode, or the like. The processor 100 mayreceive an indication of the current operating mode and generate displaydata indicative of the current operating mode. In an example embodiment,the mode may be represented by a number, letter, or character valuedisplayed, such as on the seven segment display. Additionally oralternatively, each mode may be represented by a mode icon. For example,a manual mode may be represented by a manual mode icon, such as apropeller, an eco-mode may be represented by an eco-mode icon, such as aleaf, a speed lock mode may be represented by a speed lock icon, such asa vessel outline with arrow, an anchor lock mode may be represented byan anchor lock icon, such as an anchor, and a heading lock mode may berepresented by a heading lock icon, such as a vessel outline with adirectional indicator.

In addition to the mode icons, other informational icons may also beprovided. In an example embodiment, the digital display may include oneor more of a speed icon, a battery icon, and a motor icon. Theseadditional icons may be used to indicate the type of data displayed onthe seven segment display. For example, no icon may be indicated whenspeed data is displayed, however, a battery icon or motor icon may bedisplayed to indicate battery data or motor data is being displayed,respectively.

The user interface 135 may include, for example, a keyboard, keypad,function keys, mouse, scrolling device, input/output ports, touchscreen, or any other mechanism by which a user may interface with thesystem.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may comprise anautopilot that is configured to operate the trolling motor to propel thewatercraft in a direction and at a speed. In some embodiments, theautopilot may direct the watercraft to a waypoint (e.g., a latitude andlongitude coordinate). Additionally or alternatively, the autopilot maybe configured to direct the watercraft along a route, such as inconjunction with the navigation system. Further, additional autopilotfeatures (e.g., anchoring) are also contemplated. In some exampleembodiment, the processor 110 may receive an indication of the trollingmotor operating condition being the autopilot mode. The processor 110may generate display data based on the autopilot operating mode andcause an indication of the autopilot operating mode to be displayed onthe digital display in the first portion, such as an autopilot icon.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may comprise a sonarsystem including a sonar transducer assembly 160. The sonar transducerassembly 160 may be housed in the trolling motor assembly 150 andconfigured to gather sonar data from the underwater environment relativeto the watercraft. Accordingly, the processor 110 (such as throughexecution of computer program code) may be configured to receive anindication of operation of the sonar transducer assembly 160. Theprocessor 110 may generate additional display data indicative of theoperation of the sonar transducer and cause the display data to bedisplayed on the digital display. For example, a sonar icon (not shown)may be energized to indicate that the sonar transducer is operating.

In some embodiments, the sonar system may be used to determine depth andbottom topography, detect fish, locate wreckage, etc. Sonar beams, froma sonar transducer assembly, can be transmitted into the underwaterenvironment. The sonar signals reflect off objects in the underwaterenvironment (e.g., fish, structure, sea floor bottom, etc.) and returnto the sonar transducer assembly, which converts the sonar returns intosonar data that can be used to produce an image of the underwaterenvironment.

The trolling motor system 100 may include a steering mechanism 185 forsteering the trolling motor 155. In some embodiments, the trolling motorsystem 100 may include use of a manually operated steering mechanism;however, in other embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may use amotorized mechanism for steering, which may include use of a cable steertype trolling motor or an electric steer type trolling motor.

The trolling motor assembly 150 may include a trolling motor 155, asonar transducer assembly 160, and one or more other sensors (e.g.,motor sensor 182, position sensor 180, water temperature, current,etc.), which may each be controlled through the processor 110 (such asdetailed herein).

In an example embodiment, the trolling motor system 100 may include aspeed sensor 181, such as an electromagnetic speed sensor, paddle wheelspeed sensor, or the like. The speed sensor 181 may be configured tomeasure the speed of the watercraft 10 through the water. The processor110 may receive speed data from the speed sensor 181 and generateadditional display data indicative of the speed of the watercraft 10through the water. The speed data may be displayed, such as in textformat on the first portion of the digital display. The speed data maybe displayed in any relevant unit, such as miles per hour, kilometersper hour, feet per minute, or the like. In some instances, a unitidentifier, such as a plurality of LEDs, may be provided in associationwith the display (may be shown in normal text or with a seven digitdisplay). The processor 110 may cause an LED associated with theappropriate unit for the speed data to be illuminated.

In some example embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may include amotor sensor 182. The motor sensor may be a voltage sensor, a rotationper minute (RPM) sensor, a current sensor, or other suitable sensor tomeasure the output of the trolling motor 155. The processor 110 mayreceive the motor data from the motor sensor 182 and determine a motoroutput. In an example embodiment, the motor data may be compared to adata table (which may be stored in memory 120) to determine a motoroutput, such as a percentage of maximum motor output. The processor 110may generate additional display data indicative of the motor output andcause the display data to be displayed in the first portion of thedigital display. For example, the motor data may be the measuredvoltage, current, or RPM displayed in the display, a percentage of themaximum motor output displayed in the display or graphically in asegment bar, a high or low motor output warning light, or other suitabledisplay. The segment bar may include a plurality of display segmentswhich may be energized or de-energized to indicate a correspondingproportion of the maximum output of the motor.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 further includes apower source 177 (e.g., a battery) that is configured to provide powerto the various components of the trolling motor assembly. In someembodiments, the power source 177 is rechargeable.

In some example embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 includes abattery sensor 183. The battery sensor 183 may include a current sensoror voltage sensor configured to measure the current charge of a batterypower supply of the trolling motor system 100 (e.g., the power source177). The battery sensor 183 may be configured to measure individualbattery cells or measure a battery bank. The processor 110 may receivebattery data from the battery sensor 183 and determine the remainingcharge on the battery. In an example embodiment, the voltage or currentmeasured by the battery sensor 183 may be compared to a reference valueor data table, stored in memory 120, to determine the remaining chargeon the battery.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor system 100 may include othersensors. For example, in some embodiments, the trolling motor system mayinclude an accelerometer for measuring acceleration data, which may belogged by the processor. The acceleration data may be utilized formaintenance, warranties, accident investigation, and/or product datacollection for quality control. In some embodiments, the trolling motorsystem may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer,which may be portions of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). Insome embodiments, the accelerometer may be a variable capacitive (VC)MEMS accelerometer, a piezoresistive (PR) MEMS accelerometer, or thelike. The gyroscope may be configured to measure angular velocity. Insome embodiments, the gyroscope may be a vibrating structure MEMSgyroscope including gyroscopic sensors oriented in a plurality of axes.The magnetometer may be configured to measure magnetic field strength,which can be used to find magnetic north and/or heading angle. In someembodiments, the magnetometer may be a Lorentz force based MEMS sensor,electron tunneling MEMS sensor, MEMS compass, or the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an example motor assembly 100′with a user interface 135′ integrated within the foot pedal housing 170′capable for use with several embodiments of the present disclosure. Themotor assembly 100′ is similar to and includes many of the samecomponents as the trolling motor system 100 shown in FIG. 11. Notably,however, different from the trolling motor system 100 of FIG. 11, themotor assembly 100′ of FIG. 12 further includes a foot pedal housing170′ that includes a foot pedal 175′ and a user interface 135′, whichmay each be connected to the processor 110 (such as detailed herein).

Example Flowchart(s)

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for operating amotor, such as a trolling motor. Various examples of the operationsperformed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure willnow be provided with reference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart according to an example method foroperating a motor according to an example embodiment 400. The operationsillustrated in and described with respect to FIG. 13 may, for example,be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of oneor more of the processor 110/110′, fuzzy controller 115/115′, memory120/120′, communication interface 130/130′, user interface 135/135′,location sensor 146/146′, display 140/140′, sonar transducer assembly160/160′, position sensor 180, 180′, speed sensor 181, 181′, motorsensor 182, 182′, battery sensor 183, 183′, power source 117, 117′,and/or other components described herein.

Operation 402 may comprise receiving a user input indicating a desiredspeed. The processor 110/110′, fuzzy controller 115/115′, memory120/120′, user interface 135, 135′, position sensor 145/145′, and/orsonar transducer assembly 160/160′ may, for example, provide means forperforming operation 402. Operation 404 may comprise determining acharge level of a battery. The processor 110/110′, power source 117,117′, battery sensor 183, 183′, and/or memory 120/120′ may, for example,provide means for performing operation 404. Operation 406 may comprisegenerating the speed profile curve based on one or more of an actualtravelling speed of the motor, a boat type, a boat weight, a weathercondition, and a water condition. The processor 110/110′, memory120/192, user interface 135/135′, and/or display 140/140′ may, forexample, provide means for performing operation 406. At operation 408,the method 400 may comprise updating the travel distance curve based onthe speed profile curve and a battery type for the battery. Theprocessor 110/110′, memory 120/192, user interface 135/135′, and/ordisplay 140/140′ may, for example, provide means for performingoperation 408. At operation 410, the method 400 may comprise generatinga correction factor based on at least one of the determined charge levelof the battery, a speed profile curve, and a travel distance curve. Theprocessor 110/110′, memory 120/192, user interface 135/135′, and/ordisplay 140/140′ may, for example, provide means for performingoperation 410. At operation 412, the method 400 may comprise determiningan optimized propulsion by applying the correction factor to the desiredspeed. The processor 110/110′, memory 120/192, user interface 135/135′,and/or display 140/140′ may, for example, provide means for performingoperation 412. At operation 414, the method 400 may comprisetransmitting a signal to the motor to cause the motor to operate at thedetermined optimized propulsion. The processor 110/110′, memory 120/192,communication interface 130, 130′, user interface 135/135′, and/ordisplay 140/140′ may, for example, provide means for performingoperation 414.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a system, method, and/or computerprogram product according to an example embodiment. It will beunderstood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocksin the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardwareand/or a computer program product comprising one or morecomputer-readable mediums having computer readable program instructionsstored thereon. For example, one or more of the procedures describedherein may be embodied by computer program instructions of a computerprogram product. In this regard, the computer program product(s) whichembody the procedures described herein may be stored by, for example,the memory 120/120′ and executed by, for example, the processor 110/110′or fuzzy controller 115/115′. As will be appreciated, any such computerprogram product may be loaded onto a computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a machine, such that the computer program productincluding the instructions which execute on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus creates means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block(s). Further, the computer programproduct may comprise one or more non-transitory computer-readablemediums on which the computer program instructions may be stored suchthat the one or more computer-readable memories can direct a computer orother programmable device to cause a series of operations to beperformed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce acomputer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute onthe computer or other programmable apparatus implement the functionsspecified in the flowchart block(s).

In some embodiments, the method for operating a motor may includeadditional, optional operations, and/or the operations described abovemay be modified or augmented.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thesepresent disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedand that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exampleembodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elementsand/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinationsof elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In thisregard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functionsthan those explicitly described above are also contemplated within thescope of the present disclosure. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A trolling motor system for use on a marinevessel, the trolling motor system comprising: a trolling motor assemblycomprising a propulsion motor and a battery, wherein the propulsionmotor is variable speed and configured to operate at an optimizedpropulsion in response to an electrical signal; a processor configuredto: determine the optimized propulsion based on one or more user inputs,generate and transmit the electrical signal corresponding to theoptimized propulsion to the propulsion motor; and a memory configured tostore a speed profile curve, wherein the one or more user inputs includea desired operating speed and a selected mode, wherein the selected modeis one of a normal mode and an eco-mode, wherein, when the selected modeis the eco-mode, the processor determines the optimized propulsion basedon the desired operating speed and a correction factor generated basedon the speed profile curve and a battery charge level of the battery. 2.The trolling motor system of claim 1, wherein the correction factor isgenerated by a fuzzy controller.
 3. The trolling motor system of claim1, wherein the speed profile curve is updated based on one or more of anactual travelling speed of the trolling motor, a boat type, a boatweight, a weather condition, and a water condition.
 4. The trollingmotor system of claim 1, wherein the correction factor is generatedbased on a travel distance curve, wherein the travel distance curve isupdated based on the speed profile curve and a battery type for thebattery.
 5. A motor system comprising: a motor; a battery; and aprocessor configured to: receive a user input indicating a desiredspeed, determine a charge level of the battery, determine an optimizedpropulsion based on the desired speed and the determined charge level ofthe battery, wherein the optimized propulsion is determined by applyinga correction factor to the desired speed, wherein the correction factoris based on at least one of the determined charge level of the battery,a speed profile curve, and a travel distance curve, and transmit asignal to the motor to cause the motor to operate at the determinedoptimized propulsion.
 6. The motor system of claim 5, wherein the motoris a trolling motor.
 7. The motor system of claim 5, wherein thecorrection factor is generated by a fuzzy controller.
 8. The motorsystem of claim 5, further comprising: a speed sensor configured todetermine an actual travelling speed of the motor, wherein the speedprofile curve is updated based on the actual travelling speed of themotor measured by the speed sensor.
 9. The motor system of claim 5,wherein the speed profile curve is based on one or more of a motor type,a haul weight, and an environmental condition.
 10. The motor system ofclaim 5, wherein the travel distance curve is updated based on the speedprofile curve and a battery type for the battery.
 11. The motor systemof claim 5, wherein in response to a turbo mode signal received by theprocessor, the processor is configured to transmit a turbo signal to themotor to cause the motor to operate at an increased speed.
 12. The motorsystem of claim 11, wherein the increased speed is the desired speed.13. The motor system of claim 11, wherein the turbo mode signal istransmitted to the processor based on a user activity.
 14. The motorsystem of claim 5, wherein the user input is transmitted to theprocessor via a user input assembly.
 15. The motor system of claim 14,wherein the user input assembly includes at least one of a foot pedal, ahand control, and a remote control.
 16. A method of operating a trollingmotor, the method comprising: receiving a user input indicating adesired speed; determining a charge level of a battery; generating acorrection factor based on at least one of the determined charge levelof the battery, a speed profile curve, and a travel distance curve,determining an optimized propulsion based on the desired speed and thecharge level of the battery, wherein the optimized propulsion isdetermined by applying the correction factor to the desired speed; andtransmitting a signal to the trolling motor to cause the trolling motorto operate at the determined optimized propulsion.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising: generating the speed profile curve basedon one or more of an actual travelling speed of the trolling motor, aboat type, a boat weight, a weather condition, and a water condition.18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: updating the traveldistance curve based on the speed profile curve and a battery type forthe battery.
 19. A motor system comprising: a motor; a battery; and aprocessor configured to: receive a user input indicating a desiredspeed, determine a charge level of the battery, determine an optimizedpropulsion based on the desired speed and the determined charge level ofthe battery, transmit a signal to the motor to cause the motor tooperate at the determined optimized propulsion, receive a second userinput indicating initiation of a turbo mode, and transmit, in responseto the second user input, a turbo signal to the motor to cause the motorto operate at an increased speed.
 20. The motor system of claim 19,wherein the increased speed is the desired speed.